5 Ways to Instantly Improve Your Mood

Every day of our lives isn’t all happy, happy, joy, joy, but maybe it should be. I don’t know. We’re human and our flesh and the world around us sometimes causes us to sometimes feel….blah! I know from experience that too much of feeling blah can turn into full-blown depression. That’s no good for you or your family. Here are 5 things that you can do to instantly improve your mood.

1. Make a list of plans.

There is just something about having something to look forward to. It gives you an opportunity to think about what is to come in your future instead of focusing on your current issue. Start by using a planner to write out daily and weekly goals. Be sure to check off accomplishments and completed tasks as well. Many people find that checking things off of a “to do” list is very satisfying mentally.

2. Do something nice for someone else.

Doing a good deed for a loved one or neighbor will definitely improve your mood. Our spirits are wired to do for others before ourselves. It doesn’t have to be much. A phone call or buying lunch for a friend bring a small token of appreciation to them and yourself. Selfless acts are great mood boosters.

3. Go for a walk or get some exercise.

Taking a brisk walk or exercising a little on the days that you feel out of wack can be very therapeutic. Not only does it provide great benefits for your physical health, but it also activates natural mood enhancers that are already equipped within your brain. Studies show that exercise releases endorphins that directly contribute to your body’s response to anxiety, depression, and stress.

4. Take a power nap.

Most adults don’t get 8 hours of sleep at night. Lack of sleep can make you not only feel drowsy and confused but can leave you emotional, unstable and angry. Ever notice how odd toddlers and children behave when they are sleepy? Unlike them, we have learned how to function on little to no sleep, but doing so often is not good for your attitude or immune system. University of Michigan doctoral student Jennifer Goldshmeid suggests that “naps might affect emotion regulation”. Stressed out work? Use a portion of your lunchtime to snooze. Be sure to set your alarm on your cell phone.

5. Count your blessings.

It’s easy to become wrapped up in everything that seems wrong. If your focus is on the negative, your mood will soon follow and become negative. Instead, be determined to focus on all the things that are going right in your life and around you. Get comfortable with praying when you feel blah. Learn to accept that no one has a perfect life. Happy people are people who to choose to live their best life daily, regardless of what they have.